Issues: Shelters

(QUEENS, NY) Today, State Senator Tony Avella and Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein joined elected officials and community activists to praise the rejection of the Pan Am shelter proposal.

The proposal, returned by the Office of the Comptroller for concerns about health, safety, and fire code violations, has now been rejected for the second time in two months. The decision came just two days after Senator Avella, IDC Leader Klein, and other elected officials and community activists held a press conference to call for the contract’s rejection.

Call on the Assembly to Pass Companion Legislation to Senator Klein’s Bill Requiring a Public Forum Prior to Shelter Siting

(QUEENS, NY) Today, State Senator Tony Avella and Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein joined elected officials and community activists to call for the rejection of the Samaritan Village proposal to convert the illegal Pan Am shelter into a permanent shelter. They urged the Assembly to pass companion legislation toSenator Klein’s bill that would require that a public community forum is held prior to the approval of a shelter site.

Albany, NY— State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) today passed legislation creating equal priority for homeless domestic violence victims and their children applying for apartments in the New York City Housing Authority. Shockingly, homeless victims of abuse classify as second priority, while homeless New Yorkers rank first priority.

Albany, NY — State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) today empowered neighborhoods across the five boroughs by passing legislation (S.4542a) compelling social service providers, like homeless shelters, to provide notification to local community boards and the City Planning Commission and requiring the CPC to hold hearings to gather local input. The CPC would rule on the siting of the facility.

Campaign Launched in February Wins Additional $2.1 Million for Youth Shelters

Senator Enlisted Support of Singer Miley Cyrus on Social Media

Hoylman: “New funding reverses years of cuts that have forced thousands of New York kids to sleep on the streets”

NEW YORK – Last night the New York State Legislature voted to include $4.5 million for homeless youth shelters in the 2015-16 budget, $2.1 million more than previous years and the first appreciable increase in funding for such shelters since 2008.

Allocation of $4.5 million in state budget marks first appreciable increase in homeless youth shelter funding since 2008

Hoylman: “Miley Cyrus’ advocacy on behalf of homeless kids is a perfect example of how star power can be used to help others”

NEW YORK - State Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan) said: “No kid should ever be turned away from a youth shelter due to overcrowding. That’s why I’m grateful to the Governor and the legislative leaders for including $4.5 million in the final budget agreement to help provide for new shelter beds. If approved, this will be the first appreciable increase in funding for homeless youth shelters since 2008 and help reverse years of cuts.

“Today’s report released by the New York City Department of Investigation, citing serious dangers in many of our homeless shelters, is further proof that major improvements are needed when it comes to delivering homeless services to those who need it most. During my tenure as Chair of the Senate Social Services Committee, I worked to shed light on the appalling conditions that exist in many homeless shelters across the City, including calling for an investigation into many of the concerns that this report highlights.

Report reveals that nearly a dozen sex offenders are currently housed in family shelters throughout the five boroughs

Elected officials, community leaders and concerned residents call on the State Assembly to pass companion legislation to protect children

JAMAICA, NY – State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) today unveiled an alarming investigative report, “Uncovering Sex Offenders in the New York City Family Shelter System,” that found that nearly a dozen sexual predators currently residing in 10 family shelters across New York City which house young children.

Senator Klein’s legislation (S.851-2015) prohibits level two and level three sex offenders from being housed in family shelters and requires by law that they be placed in adult-only shelters or shelters without children.

Legislation Prevents Level Two & Three Sex Offenders From Residing in Shelters With Families and Children

ALBANY, NY– Independent Democratic Conference Leader Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester)today announced that the State Senate overwhelmingly passed (52-0) legislation he sponsors that prohibits level two and level three sex offenders from living in temporary emergency housing and homeless shelters used to house families with children.

Bronx Elected Officials Back Legislation That Would Keep Level Two & Three Sex Offenders Out of Shelters Where Families With Children Reside

BRONX, NY – State Senator and Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), together with Assemblyman Michael Benedetto (D-Bronx), Councilman James Vacca (D-Bronx), members of Community Board 10, the Ferry Point Civic Association and Friends of Ferry Point Park today called on the New York City Department of Homeless Services to ban level two and level three sex offenders from temporary emergency housing and homeless shelters used to house families with children.

"Chanukah is the celebration of miracles, a reminder that all things are possible," Senator Parker said. "As you celebrate the spirit of Chanukah with friends and family, I wish you health, happiness and good fortune." The holiday celebrates a legendary victory of the Maccabees, a band of Jews, over a Greek army that occupied the Holy Land. After the battle, the victorious Maccabees found only a one day supply of oil in the temple to light the lamps. But the oil burned miraculously for eight days, the story says.

Elected Leaders join forces with Community in an Effort to Keep Sole Bronx Animal Rescue & Adoption Facility Running

BRONX, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) joined by Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda (D-Bronx), Assemblyman Marcos Crespo (D-Bronx) at Holy Cross School in Soundview on Sunday held a fundraiser aimed at saving the only no-kill animal shelter in Bronx County. Attendees also had the opportunity to adopt a pet from New Beginning Animal Rescue and make a donation to save the facility. The shelter is under financial hardship, making it likely that it will have to close its doors to the dozens of abused, neglected and otherwise abandoned dogs and cats that it currently houses.

The NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS) is setting new rules to speed the processing of insurance claims in areas affected by Storm Sandy. The new regulation reduces the amount of time an insurer can delay its decision on a claim, and requires insurers to report to the Department on how many claims it is delaying and the reasons for the delays.